U.K. Passenger-Car Output Brisk in January

U.K. passenger-car production began the year up 15.6% to 127,382 units compared with like-2010, marking a 16-month high. But commercial vehicles slipped 1.2% to 9,844.

Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders data also shows U.K. engine production rose 5.0% in January to 227,161 units.

“U.K. car production continues to drive manufacturing growth and a rebalancing of the economy,” SMMT CEO Paul Everitt says in a statement.

“It is essential government and industry continue their successful partnership that has helped deliver new investment and supply-chain opportunities to secure long-term prosperity and jobs.”

Total U.K. vehicle output rose 14.2% to 137,226 units, with exports increasing 12.2% to 111,967. Car production for the domestic market soared 31.6% to 21,193, while exports grew 12.9% 106,189.

However, the domestic market saw CV builds drop 3.8% to 4,066 units. Exports edged up 0.7% to 5,778.

Engine production for U.K.-built vehicles was up a healthy 27.3% to 79,338 units, but exports fell 4.1% to 147,823.